COMMUNICATION STUDIES

The Communication Studies major provides a liberal arts approach to a dynamic and varied discipline. The major is designed to allow students the flexibility to focus on preparing for further studies in graduate school or to pursue a career in such fields as mass media, public communications, and organizational communications.

Students desiring to major in Communication Studies are encouraged to complete INQ 240 (Statistical Reasoning) as early as possible. Communication Studies majors should also plan on taking RHET 125 during their first year.

To complete a major in Communication Studies, a student must complete 10 courses as outlined below:

A minor in Communication Studies requires six units, including COMM 101; COMM 250; two units from COMM 202, COMM 220, or COMM 260; and two units at the 300-level or above.

101 Introduction to Communication Studies
Introduction to oral communication and communication theory. Course includes study of various communication models and situations and the processes and techniques that function within them. It also examines cultural, symbolic, and perceptual variants and their effects on the communication process. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.

202 Mass Communication
A survey of the theories, processes, effects, and media of mass communication. The course will focus on issues of concern principally to the mass media within the United States, but issues of globalization will be addressed.(1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: COMM 101.

220 Public Speaking
Study of voice, production, and management in various forms of public address. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk. Prerequisite: INQ 110 or INQ 120 or HNRS 105.

250 Communication Theory
An introduction to the most important contemporary theories of human communication. This course will explore general issues concerning the nature of theory and communication, the relation between theory and practice, and the influence of culture and gender. Students will critically examine how the communication process contributes to the development of information and meaning, selfhood, interpersonal relationships, social influence, and culture. (1)
Lecture 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: COMM 101.

260 Interpersonal Communication
An introduction to issues in interpersonal communication, examined from the perspective of communication competence. Using scientific concepts and theories, students will be asked to become critics of everyday conversation. Students will also use theoretical principles to improve personal effectiveness, appropriateness, and adaptability in conversing with others. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: COMM 101.

301 Special Topics
A concentrated study of a topic or issue related to the field of communications. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk. Prerequisite: COMM 250.

311 Video Field Production
The study and practice of the fundamentals of professional videography. Students will receive instruction in practical applications in the areas of videography, editing, production, and media literacy. (1) (Cross-listed as THEA 311.)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: COMM 250 or permission.

317 Professional Communication
The study and practice of communication theories, concepts, and skills as they apply to business and professional settings including interpersonal and group dynamics, written communication, business and professional presentations and meeting management skills. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: COMM 101, COMM 220; COMM 250 is strongly recommended.

330 Small Group Communication
Introduction to and practice in the structured small group, with primary emphasis on preparation for, analysis of, and participation in problem-solving oriented groups. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: COMM 250 and 260.

350 Research Methods
Introduction to the principles and basic skills necessary to criticize research literature. In this course students will develop descriptive and experimental studies using data collection, analysis and presentation techniques in communication research. (1) Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: COMM 250.

354 Rhetorical Theory and Criticism
In this course students will think, analyze, and write carefully about public messages that influence our experience, professions, lives and cultures. This course will explore the possibilities and difficulties of forming, using, and evaluating messages that individuals or groups use to influence or change a large public audience. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: COMM 250.

360 Studies in Intercultural Communication
An examination of major issues related to intercultural and cross-cultural communication. The course will explore those communication issues in particular cultures both within and beyond the United States. (1)
Lecture: 3 hrs/wk.
Prerequisites: COMM 250; COMM 260 is strongly recommended.

405, 406, 407 Independent Study
Supervised reading and research of a specific subject within media or communication studies resulting in a written report. (1/2, 1, 1/2)
Prerequisites: One 300-level COMM course.

416 Internship
Experience in a field of applied communications (for example, newspaper, radio, television), under supervision from the agency involved and the course instructor. (1) Laboratory: 10 hrs/wk.
Prerequisite: One 200-level COMM course and permission.

495, 496, 497 Honors Project
A program of independent study culminating in a paper.
Prerequisite:To qualify for consideration for honors in the major, a student in his/her senior year or in the summer prior to the senior year must work under the guidance of his/her committee. A written proposal and application must be approved by the committee and the department. A minimum GPA of 3.4 in the major is required. Communication 350 and 354; Communication 495 Honors Project is a prerequisite for 497 Honors Project. (1/2, 1, 1/2)